Nikon 1 S1

The 1 S1 looks much like the 1 J3 and has many similar features. Among the features in common are CMOS CX sensors measuring 13.2 x 8.8mm (with a 2.7 crop factor), the ability to shoot in RAW format as well as JPEG, use of a sophisticated hybrid autofocus system which employs a combination of phase detection and contrast detection with up to 135 autofocus points, manual exposure modes including aperture and shutter priority, and movie modes up to 1080i and 1080p as well as the ability to shoot in slow motion. However, there are some significant differences as well. The 1 S1 is shipped with a different kit lens, an 11-27.5mm zoom lens. The 1 S1 has a lower resolution sensor then the 1 J3, 10.1 megapixels compared to 14.2 megapixels. Unlike the 1 J3, the 1 S1 cannot shoot in RAW and JPG simultaneously. The 1 S1 has a lower resolution LCD monitor, 460,000 dots compared to 921,000 dots in the 1 J3, and lacks the more expensive camera’s mode dial mounted at the top of the camera. While the 1 J3 has an easy panorama mode, which enables the user to take panorama pictures by sweeping the camera horizontally or vertically, the 1 S1 does not have any panorama mode, auto or manual. The 1 S1 also lacks the 1 J3’s filters (such as sepia), which can impart an overall hue to the image. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $499.95 for the body and kit lens, although it can be found for less.

Pros

Small size, attractive appearance

Quick performance

Excellent autofocus system

Very good image quality, even at high ISOs

Manual controls

Cons

No mode dial so all mode changes require accessing the menu

Kit lens lacks optical image stabilization

Videos are jittery

No panorama mode

Quick Take

The Nikon 1 S1 is the little brother of the Nikon 1 J3. It has a 10.1 MP sensor, 11-27.5mm kits lens, and lacks some key features.